Americans are asking themselves why they are not winning the war on terror; why democracy is not taking root in Iraq. Why are these battles, into which the Bush administration has poured so much time, effort and American lives, not being won?
I think I have one answer.
Ask any responsible parent: If you hope to turn your child away from undesirable behavior, you must send him a clear and consistent message. The second best thing is to ignore what he is doing, for that way at least he won’t try to deceive you; you can track his movements and look for an opportune moment to intercept him.
One thing you don’t do is vacillate. Saying what he is doing is wrong today and in this place, but okay tomorrow and in another place, sends the worst possible message. You are just giving him excuses for getting away with doing wrong. And he will employ a manner of deception to show you that he is, actually, abiding by your wishes; even when he plainly is not.
For your inconsistency, you will pay the price.
On the political world stage the consequences of inconsistency are evident for all to see.
The USA, particularly, is paying for it.
Terrorists have learned that terrorism is only unacceptable under certain circumstances. It is quite acceptable under others. Some leaders whose organizations terrorize some people are “the enemies of mankind.†Others, whose minions perpetrate exactly the same sort of actions but against people elsewhere, are “freedom fighters,†“moderates,†or “statesmen-in-the-making.â€
When Bush labeled El Qaeda an evil terrorist organization, and messaged Osama Bin-Laden in no uncertain terms that the US would hunt him down and capture him dead or alive, he sent out a clear and unequivocal message.
But when he sent his secretary of state to do business with the PLO and Mahmoud Abbas (or before his demise, Yasser Arafat), he muddied the waters and diluted the threat.
His approach encouraged America’s enemies, “justifying†their embrace of Bin-Laden.
When the Bush administration compared Iran’s Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Adolf Hitler, it sent out a strong and unambiguous message.
But when administration officials issued visas enabling Ahmadinejad to visit the United States, the message was ameliorated and weakened. (Would the US have invited or enabled Hitler to visit America’s shores? Perhaps the State Department would?)
After 9-11, the American president got off to a promising start when he emphatically declared:
“Our war on terror begins with al Qaeda, but it does not end there. It will not end until every terrorist group of global reach has been found, stopped and defeated. … We will starve terrorists of funding, turn them one against another, drive them from place to place, until there is no refuge or no rest. And we will pursue nations that provide aid or safe haven to terrorism. Every nation, in every region, now has a decision to make. Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists. From this day forward, any nation that continues to harbor or support terrorism will be regarded by the United States as a hostile regime.â€
The warning was direct and precise. It was meant to put the fear of hell into every listening terrorist and rogue regime.
But then, shortly afterwards, the American leader sent a totally different message to the people of Israel. When he declared his two-state vision and began courting the world’s number one terrorist organization, the PLO, Bush in effect told the Jews that their shed blood was not as valuable as the shed blood of Americans; that the murder of Jerusalemites was not as serious as the murder of New Yorkers.
And he told terrorists that they are not terrorists – and therefore not on America’s hit list – if they terrorize, kill and maim Jews.
In fact, as he continues to pursue his two-state-vision, the president is working to reward those who have mass-murdered Jews by helping them to get precisely the prize for which they perpetrated their evil acts.
Furthermore, by recognizing and applauding the “democratic†process by which the PA was elected, Bush also sent a mixed message to Iraq, where he so desperately wants to see democracy take hold.
America’s vacillation and double-standards on these crucial issues have only earned it the disdain and defiance of its foes.Until the US fully engages ALL terrorists everywhere, and denies any support whatsoever to those seeking to dismember Israel, it will continue to lose its war on terror and fail in its efforts in Iraq.It is feeding the very crocodile that will soon snap its jaws on Americans again.
Blessings, Stan:
Thank you for stating the truth in clear, simple statements. I pray rich blessings and safety for you and your loved ones, in Yeshua’s name.
Dawn
Stan ,
While many will pat you on the back and say ‘well done’,I would have to disagree with you premise that the relationship between Israel and the U.S. is a type of parent and son relationship.
I love you too much to just give you the standard feigned love so prevelant today among Christian’s.
I wish it were ,I really do ,but it is not.
If good parent’s can so easily betray their children than it is so.
I would agree that evil parents would easliy do to their children what America now does to Israel undewr the ruse of peace.
God’s word tells us that man’s heart is desperately wicked and this is the state of America.
Hypocrisy and lies are the standard deeds of this evil satan led system which leads the charge against the Israel of God under his diabolical and clever deception.
It seem’s God’s own are the only one’s fooled by Satan’s gambit.
We seem to be the last to awaken to what is really going on.
truly the elect can be and are decieved by the man who speaks smooth and soft words while carving and butchering the faithful and obedient of Israel for his and Satan’s Palestinian state .
I do believe this truth does seperate the religious from the remnant.
The religious don’t really love the truth,so as long as you moderate with smooth and soft words they will always love you as they do their lord in Washington.
It’s not ignorance or stupidity or good intentions which directs this president’s agenda but evil.
What is so sinful is that it has takens God’s people this long to begin to awaken from their spiritual stupor and figure this out.
Many have not and will not because they are already under God’s judgment and deception and delusion cloud’s their hearts and minds in darkness.
They love the lukewarm fence of ignorance and pity the messenger who attempts to knock them off their complacent embrace of lies and hypocrisy.
They call evil, good and good ,evil and are offended by the truth.
They are almost reprobate in their doubleminded religion of convenience .
God begins to shake our foundation so that all which will remain is Messiah Jesus ,the truth and there will no longer be any place for lies for those who truly seek to walk in the light of God’s Kingdom.
There is no place for His people in the evil kingdom which makes war against the remnant of God in Israel and that is the heart and purpose of the Road Map ,nothing else.
Stan,
I am sad to to have to say it, but I think you hit the nail right on the head. As a conservative I have a great fondness for President Bush and I do pray for him. But, time and time again I have been so very disappointed in his “double message.” Israelis and American soldiers pay with their lives. It is all so very sad.
Shalom Stan,
Let me give you a loud and resounding AMEN! Bush needs to wake up as do most of America’s apathetic and pathetic population. Brainwashed with a half hour of pro islamo-terrorist, politically correct main stream media propaganda, America then settles in to worship before the great American golden calf : Television . Sadly most people here in the US are very interested in who wins the American Idol TV show and could care less about Israel and Hamas. They are keenly worried about who gets a deceased harlot’s, (A. N. Smith), multi-million dollar baby but don’t give a hoot if we win the wars raging in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are unaware that 2 million Sudanese Christians have been slaughtered by Islamic murderers, but can name every winner of the Survivor TV series. They can hardly wait to watch Monday night Football but have no clue that Jews and Christians are being persecuted every single day of the week. They love Oprah, Soap Operas and Sitcoms but reject God, truth and reality. The big threat is not certain Islamic global terror but imagined hysterical global warming! God help us!!!!! Like Bush, they curse Bin Laden and embrace Abbas, but news of both these killers pale into insignificance when compared to the American quest for entertainment. We have indeed come to an apathetic and pathetic state of selfishness and indulgence. 9-11 was our Pearl Harbor but most of us either fail to see it or have unfortunately or conveniently forgotten it. When…., not if ……but WHEN, the next 9-11hits us, let us hope that we truly wake up.
It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. Lametations 3:22
Israel and some of us here in the US have the mighty God of Jacob as their help. Sadly the majority here have only their TV or their money to turn to in time of trouble.
Then shall the cities of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem go, and cry unto the gods unto whom they offer incense: but they shall not save them at all in the time of their trouble. Jeremiah 11:12
Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD’S wrath; Zephaniah 1:18
Shalom and God bless..Jeremy
Stan, you are SO right! And at this time it seems my prayers are falling on deaf ears. I know they are not….but I am reminded the power of prayer has changed the course of history in the past….
I do not understand why President Bush can’t realize that he is on the wrong parth.
Why can’t he recognize he has lost God’s favor, in pushing Israel to divide the land? Everything has turned upside down, it seems, where he is concerned.
If it were me…I would be on my face crying out to God to show me where I had gone wrong and then change course. He is a professing Christian….why can’t the godly preachers that have been visiting him crack that hard shell?
Is this all somehow a part of bible prophecy coming to pass? Is this to usher in the fallikng away and demise of the US.
We have to be at a Cross Road….How many Americans are really deeply concerned, or are just going about their everyday lives as though it will all come out all right…..It won’t….
God give us men and women, boys and girls around the world with a burden to pray and fast.
I feel the sense of urgency in my spirit…the clock is ticking…I can feel it.
“0They (U.S.) are unaware that 2 million Sudanese Christians have been slaughtered by Islamic murderers.”
Of course they are aware ,but the Sudanese Christian’s don’t have and $ value.
Ever wonder why Saudi Arabia gets to build thousands of Wahabbi Mosques across the U.S. and why Bush’s double standard towards radical Saudi Islam remains in full force .
Did anyone see the picture of President Bush holding hands with the Saudi King as they entered the White House together ?
Not even P.M. Sharon or P.M. Olmert recieved this special treatment.,and yet with impunity ,this evil president pushes Jews off their land for his terrorist Plaestinian state.
And some here ‘don’t understand ?. They’re incapable of understanding becausec thye won’t let go of their false security of ignorance.
Does it not awaken the sleepy saints that the U.S. war machine came to Kuwait’’s rescue for much less cause than the genocide 2 million souls ?
And that the ‘only superpower’ does nothing to stop the long going genocide in Darfur ,Sudan but was highly motivated to invade and occupy Iraq.
If only Darfur had large Oil reserves …and that goes for Israel also.
Israel ,your mistake is to trust an empire motivated by power and greed to give you a fair deal.
Are you getting one ,Israel ?
[...] The worst possible message Filed under: Source: Other Sites, America — marylousamerica @ 10:19 am Americans are asking themselves why they are not winning the war on terror; why democracy is not taking root in Iraq. Why are these battles, into which the Bush administration has poured so much time, effort and American lives, not being won?I think I have one answer. - Stan Goodenough, Jerusalem Watchman [...]
Bush’s style is to say one thing, while actually implementing another thing. This is called deception. “Put not your trust in princes” applies to this action by this world prince. There is only one who is totally truthful and that is Jesus Christ. Only He is worthy to rule the world, and He will at the Father’s chosen time. Praise His Holy Name!
Hey Stan! Good words. Well said. Consider yourself ‘patted on the back’ by this reader!
I don’t get where Marcel is coming from. Were you not referring to the US and the terrorists in your parent/child/consistency in discipline analogy? I understood you to be referring to the inconsistency with which the US deals with the terrorist groups. I don’t get where Marcel came up with the idea of US as the father, and Israel as the son. Am I missing something here? I didn’t read that anywhere in what you said.
I agree with Jeremy’s “AMEN”. and his incredibly true and disturbing description of America. I’d just like to include all of North America in what he said - Canada stands judged with the same judgement that applies to the US. Western society as a whole, fits his apt description of what’s happening around us. May God have mercy on us in the days ahead! What will it take to awaken the west? I think we already know!
Jan ,
America in her arrogance is playing the Father/Parent to everyone,every nation which includes Israel.
I wanted to make a point of truth which almost everyone in Christiandumb is either too blind or decieved to confess ,that at her heart ,America is EVIL and it is an incorrect and deceptive anology to compare Ameirca to a parent ,a good parent that is .
America in her arrogance has replace God before Israel.
The wolf with her voracious appetite devours the remnant of Israel under the satanic deception of peace.
The Road Map is not about peace but Israel’s removal.
You won’t hear that from John Hagee or in your watered down chiurch on Shabbat or on Sunday
You don’t see that ?
you wrote ;
‘Canada stands judged with the same judgement that applies to the US.’
You are most decieved and wrong ,as it is Ameirca which has led the dividing up of Israel as the present superpower Babylon type empire.
To whom much is given ,much is required.
America is in for a most special judgment among all the nations.
In one hour Babylon is destroyed.
You don’t see this ,the difference between America’s haughty place and fall and Canada’s coming judgment?
Marcel,
Dear brother, with all due respect, it is not always what you say, but the spirit in which you say it, that makes me unable to fully receive what you say.
You said:
America in her arrogance is playing the Father/Parent to everyone, every nation which includes Israel.
I wanted to make a point of truth which almost everyone in Christiandumb is either too blind or deceived to confess, that at her heart, America is EVIL and it is an incorrect and deceptive analogy to compare America to a parent, a good parent that is.
America in her arrogance has replace God before Israel.
The Road Map is not about peace but Israel’s removal
Marcel, I have no problem with much of what you say here. America is indeed arrogant, and in her loftiness, she has indeed set herself above all other nations. As a Canadian, I am all too keenly aware of this. America and the majority of Americans walk in haughty pride and frightening arrogance. America is blind to herself! Very clearly, she loves to play God, not just to Israel, but to all the nations of the earth – whenever and wherever she can.
And yes, within America there is great evil. The enemy has taken up residence with ever increasing strength, and many in America have not only embraced this evil, but they have embraced it fully, and love to flaunt it before all who would look.
America is racing headlong into a collision course with Almighty God. And clearly, we have begun to see the judgement of God dealt out to her, through 9/11, Katrina and so on. God will not tolerate America’s precious Road Map. In God’s sight its evil is unbearable. Obviously this so-called “Road Map to Peace†has been conceived in the pit of hell, and God will judge, with terrible finality, those who continue to uphold this abominable plan.
BUT, does this give us the right, or the duty, to blindly condemn America – blanket coverage? Or ought we to continue to pray for her and her leadership, that in God’s wrath, He would indeed remember mercy? That even now, in the face of the darkness that is clearly descending upon the face of the earth, God, in His great mercy and longsuffering, would awaken America to her great evil. Will she respond to the Father’s extended heart of mercy and love, or will she choose rather to call down upon herself the awful judgement of a righteous and angry God. That is something she will have to decide. But meanwhile, until the night fully descends upon us, we can pray for that Powerful Ray of Light – the One who is TRUTH - to penetrate this evil darkness, and to turn the hearts of the lost to Himself, even in godless America, and yes, Marcel, even the heart of George W. Bush. Let’s not be so determined to fight a man. Let us rather lift our hearts in prayer before the Father, and together fight the one who is truly the enemy. Satan stands condemned as the enemy of our souls. Even now, he pants after the soul of America. Even now, he pants after the soul of George W. Bush. Who will stand in the gap on behalf of America? Who will stand in the gap on behalf of George W. Bush?
It is possible Marcel, to clearly see the evil state of a nation, and its leadership, and with the heart of the Father, continue to love them and lift them up before His throne. The prophets did this all the time, and Yeshua is the greatest example of this kind of love. Marcel, you clearly feel that the time has come to condemn America and Pres. Bush. You have made your position loud and clear. Not a single one of us doubts where you stand. And although I have no doubt that many within the church have given their “blind†allegiance to America and her president, not all have. Some have simply been called by the Father to stand in the gap on her behalf, while there remains a lingering ray of daylight.
Calling fellow believers “dumb†(“Christiandumbâ€), does nothing to bring glory to the name of the Lord. Nor does it help remove the scales from the eyes of those who are truly blind to what is happening in America. Have you ever noticed that sarcasm does nothing to win the lost, or the believing deceived, over to the truth? It does the opposite. It blinds them further.
As to the parent/child analogy, it is only an analogy. There was a point being made. And to one who was not looking for something to criticize, the logical conclusion would have been that America was NOT being called a ‘responsible’ parent, but rather a very ‘irresponsible’ parent in light of her “double-standard†practices in her so-called ‘fight against terror’.
And as to Canada’s evil vs. America’s evil? Jeremy’s description of the evil he sees in America is a mirror image of what I see here in Canada. For the sins mentioned in his comment, Canada stands judged. Because of the Lord’s mercy, we presently have godly leadership here in Canada. I do not take this lightly. It is a blessing from the Father for which I have prayed for many years. How long will it last? I believe it will last as long as PM Stephen Harper keeps his eyes fixed on the Mighty God of Israel! As long as he does this; as long as he takes a firm stand on the side of Israel; as long as he does not join in the evil Road Map; for so long will God bless him, and will God bless Canada. And if Stephen Harper fails and falls in his godly stand, and if that which is evil becomes good in his eyes, my heart will grieve deeply for him, and I will lift him up before the Father’s throne, and I will plead with the Father on behalf this, my brother, and on behalf of this my nation, that in His wrath, God would remember mercy.
Hi everyone….I must tell you, I’m getting sick and tired of hearing how awful the United States is and what we’ve done to poor Israel. Hear me out….I love and support Israel, and I’m not thrilled with how the the US has handled international mediation on her behalf either. However, President Bush has to now stand by his “two state” solution. It’s what Israel consented to and he’s got no choice - Israel has to live with it or go into an out-and-out war within it’s own borders to kick the enemy out . It’s too late late to say, “Ummm, nevermind, I change my mind - I want it all back now.” By caving in to the US’ (and others) leading, Israel has to endure the results of her decision - a constant “thorn in her side” from Gaza, The Golan Heights and West Bank. She did have a choice…. and chose poorly.
I believe that Israel suffers no less than the US from both spiritual blindness and complacency. Both of our nations are in for an amazing awakening. Do I think it’ll destroy us both entirely? NO! But it may bring us to our knees, which is where we both need to be. Israel needs to wake up and realize their special, eternal covenant with the Lord. The price of being the “Lord’s beloved nation and apple of his eye” is extremely high. They keep looking to America and yet we’re no more “spiritually minded/open” than them! We, both nations, have experienced God’s blessing and yet, have forsaken Him. There is a remnant in America who are willing to stand and speak, there are a remnant in Israel trying to rally their own nation to wake up and seek the Lord with all their hearts.
Still and all, the US has NOT abandoned Israel completely…compare us to any other nation on earth - and we’d look like “best friends”. Somewhere in America there is a small voice of recognition that Israel is special and unique in the world. That voice will get louder as Christians stand up for Israel and make it known. We need to partner…join forces. Israel needs to come out of it’s own drunken stupor and realize what they HAVE and lay claim to it!
The times are going to dictate a change of action drastically. We are going to be pitted smack up against Islam. It’s happening now - the “jihad” they want is on it’s way. The lines are drawn and neither side can retreat. But we know that strength for what lies ahead does not rest in military might. That can all be rendered null and void very quickly for both sides. This is a “heavenly” battle, long fortold, that’s come to be played out on earth with a fierce intensity. Most will be shocked when it happens. We’ve been made aware however. We cannot have it said that we weren’t told. So what ought we be doing? First, quit pointing fingers - we’re like a bunch of little children shouting “It’s YOUR fault…., no - it’s YOUR fault”. Our Father is up there and going smack both of us if we don’t shut up and look to Him. He’s going to settle it. He TOLD us so! We are his children! What does it mean to you to be known as “Children of the King”? How ought we behave?
When I think about how God can intervene, I hear, “If my people, who are called by name, will humble themselves (try getting anyone in Israel or America today to “humble” themselves…..RIGHT! They all believe they’re masters of their own destiny!) and pray, if they seek my face, turn from their sin, then I will hear, I will forgive and I will heal their land….”
I love you Israel - but I’ll love you even more when you stand with me with open arms toward heaven and cry out to the one who is able to keep you and America from falling. Both nations, Israel and America need to repent. How do we get this message out? It’s easy - one person at a time. Live our lives as holy as we can (knowing we’re not perfect - but we do have forgiveness if we ask). WORSHIP WORSHIP WORSHIP - let the world see that you love the Lord - be unabashed in prayer. Talk about spiritual things openly with friends, neighbors and strangers. Forget being “politically correct” that’s what’s got us into this mess in the first place. While you’re at it, forget “tolerance” too - I’ve grown to be disgusted by that word and what it means/translates to today. Speak the truth in love……
Blessings,
Kate
Kate, An expression that makes sense. I am sick and tired as well of those running down America. You are not from here, what is your country doing to help Israel overcome it’s supposed destiny?, etc. etc. On this blog, there are those who blame America, blame Israel, blame other Christians and put them into little categories with fancy titles. They predict doom and gloom. the fall of all we know, and rise of the devil, and the destruction of America. So be it. The Word bears you out. But take a moment. Do not twist itty bits of scripture to support your point (Marcel, are you reading this), do not judge the President as some evil incarnate (judge not and be not judged), take a moment, we should be coming together. All Christians who are seeking and studying diligently, know what is coming. Praying as a group instead of condemning will generate the power needed to assist Israel, to help America, to serve G-d. How do we serve, those who point fingers and declare, in no uncertain terms, that the end is near and judgment is certain. Tell me something I dont know. Dont condemn actions without offering exhortation and correction according to the Word. Henny Penny would like it here!!!!
Kate, that’s terrific! Tell it, girl.
Tonight, I heard Pastor John Hagee preach a message on 2007, the Year of Destiny. It was a very good message. I am glad I heard it. We have to trust God to move in Israel to change administrations. As long as the current admin. is in office…..Israel is weak and all her enemies know this…..But, 2007 may bring administration changes for israel….Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Benjamin Netanyahu was elected to be Prime Minister again!!!!
I have been praying for a long season for this to come to pass—and I am believing the Lord to bring this to pass in 2007.